Founders Day

The writing was so bad I was wondering if we'd have to walk out only five minutes in. It seems like something written by a high school student who waited until the night before it was due to start. Eventually it got bad enough to stay just so we could see the train wreck unfold.

Cliche storylines and horrendous acting throughout. Several scenes brought us to laughter, but not intentionally.

I do have to give credit, I didn't know who the killers were until the end(it's a cheap Scream rip-off from the start so not a spoiler). But it turns out that's only because it made no sense to the plot whatsoever.

Plot

A small town is shaken by a series of ominous killings in the days leading up to a heated mayoral election.

Cast

Naomi Grace leads competently, Devin "13 Reasons Why" Druid unintentionally comes across as creepy as he was in that and William Russ outshines everyone.

Verdict

Though I'm a horror fanatic slasher isn't exactly my favorite sub-genre, and the reason? They're all too similar, I grew up with 70's-80's slashers and they gradually died out because of that reason.

Founders Day tries to reel in some of that nostalgic magic, but in doing so falls into the same trap! It's so generic, so uninspired, we've seen this before a thousand times (Probably not an exaggeration). It doesn't color outside the lines for a moment, it doesn't dare wander off the path and delivers something that will only be appreciated by people who have never really experienced many slashers and therefore won't predict the whole thing straight out of the gate.

And don't even get me started on that ending, I absolutely didn't "Get" that in the slightest. I need an explanation, what were they thinking?

Rants

I don't like Erik Bloomquist, it's not a personal thing, it's not a talent thing, I don't in fact know what it is. He's just one of those people who when they come on to the screen I wince ever so slightly, feel a level of discomfort and if I had any children would cover their eyes. Therefore a movie written, directed and starring him never really stood a change.

The Good

William Russ is great

The Bad

Bland kills Offensively unoriginal Dreadful finale.

I am surprised I didn't walk out of this movie. It baffled my brain as I was watching and trying to eliminate characters as the killer by thinking logically. Huh? Without the 20 minute wrap up at the end it wouldn't have made any sense. It was sorely appreciated. I did not catch the theme/report clue. Very mediocre writing and some very bad over-acting. Some good special effects. The very end left me losing hope. I am very happy I stayed to the end because I very much enjoyed the closing credits. Great graphics and fun animation that gave a very nice recap of the characters and how those that were killed died - otherwise watch when it streams.

This movie deserves less than 5 but the ideas behind the scenario deserves more than 5, so it may be a "not bad" low budget horror movie. And do not dive into the 1-3 ratings, this movie still is watchable.

You will see absurd levels of inspiration from Scream movies. Maybe that's not bad at all, but the execution of the scenes are bad. Even in 80s horror flicks these scenes were executed much better.

I don't know if the scenario was good and the directing and editing of the movie is bad. But the result seems like it. Maybe these ideas with better execution could be a really good movie, because some of th ideas behind the scenario is reflecting the politicians and people around the world very well.

Not usually one for slashers, but this one was very fun.

Small town mayoral election disrupted by masked killer. The mask design was one of the scarier designs I've seen, and the weapon of choice was excellent (a gavel.... and a stilletto??). Great use (and over-use) of gore, especially the practical gags. Glad to see it wasn't all CG.

A stand-out in this movie was the commissioner played by Catherine Curtain. She seemed to blend several performances all into one, making for a hilarious, nonchalant figure of authority. Absolutely killed this role.

Also can't forget the two candidates running for office (Amy Hargreaves and Jayce Bartok). Both psychotic, both hilarious. Very relevant and fun subject matter to look into there. But I'd vote Faulkner. See Founder's Day!